Delay in clearance irks pilgrims en route to Iran from Quetta

QUETTA: Thousands of pilgrims headed for Iran from Quetta were stuck in Taftan without enough food that could sustain them before they reach their destination.

The pilgrims complained they were facing difficulty in getting food, while also alleged that immigration personnel were only letting those pass who were paying them.

Over 30,000 pilgrims have reached Taftan from different parts of Pakistan but were facing difficulty in entering Iran.

According to levies officials, the immigration authorities on the Pakistan-Iran border were working day and night for the pilgrims, but clearance of such a large number of people would take time, which is why they had to wait in Taftan.

There are five windows at the immigration office in Taftan, all of which were open to clear the pilgrims. 

When asked Chaghi Deputy Commissioner Shahak Baloch told Geo News that it was for the first time such a large number of pilgrims had reached Taftan. However, he added, 15,000 pilgrims were sent to Iran after clearance, while the others would be sent in two days.

Moreover, additional staff from Federal Investigation Agency has reached Taftan to help with the work.